So Much Quality...

All images via Mackie, and that's him putting a flextail into a very tidy turn in the first image. Much goodness on it's way from the remnants of the British Empire, ostensibly for Sacred Craft but it will all be displayed for sale here too. There's been waves here too which is a bit of a capper to it all. If I can squeeze a couple more sessions out of this swell combo I'll be well pleased.

Sacred Craft, Ekstrom, Mackie & More...

It's Sacred Craft Surfboard Show time again, October 8 & 9 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Not only is Carl Ekstrom this year's honoree but he's kindly offered up a spot in his booth for us to display our wares. Not only will Carl undoubtedly have some exceptional boards but there will be books, there will be shirts, there will be films and there will be some surfboards from Mick Mackie for people to check out and buy should they desire. The above HP Sidecut fish will be there- 6' x 20" x 2 5/8" of handshaped EPS joy for only $800. There will also hopefully be a few bonus items from our friends across the pond in the UK, but more on that as it gets sorted out. It'll be a fun show definitely. We're even expecting a one man Australian contingent and he usually brings swell so here's hoping....

Little Black Wheels

After a bit of time due to Mick being a man on the move, we've finally got this sorted out. Copies of 'Little Black Wheels' will be available in the US very soon, as soon as the post office get them here in fact. It's a lovely film, I'll let you know prices as soon as we sort them out.

A little more Derek Hynd

Yes, that board did fly once he was done with it. Some lovely philosophizing from Derek as well as a few outrageous speed runs. I love the floater 360s too. Again, thanks to the Surfer's Journal for making this available.

No Fins Good

A bit more Kidman, this time filming mad bastard Derek Hynd knocking the fins of a channeled asym with one of the better surf video soundtracks ever. More Harry Partch than Kraftwork I'd say Derek. This thing will be interesting in the water for sure. Video courtesy of the Surfer's Journal site, which is predictably good as always.

Three Fins Good

Kidman, at North Narra on the 6'6" thruster Simon Anderson shaped him. It's based on THE board, the one Simon won Bells on in '81. (The one with the blue deck on the left.) So many layers of stuff going on there it's amazing, and Andrew still manages to lay a decent turn down.

The September of Australians

Ah the Aussies- they talk funny, they drink all your beer and they've been scoring all the good surf of late. At least they haven't been letting it go to waste, and they've been very good indeed about sharing the documentation. The inbox is full of image files so it'll be a decidedly aussie-centric month. Mick Mackie has been extra good with the high grade material, there will undoubtedly be a post a week involving him, so why not start there? Couple of sleek looking fish, very tidy stub with volan inlay, an exotic flex experiment- this stuff is golden, and we're just getting started. Go see Steiny tonight if you're in San Francisco.

And immediately the Australians are sorting me- that top photo is in fact by Dean Dampney. Entirely my fault, I plucked it from batch Mick sent and figured it was one of his. This is why you ask these things. I liked it well enough to use it first, and after checking Dean's website Submerge I can at least say I've got good taste- his photos are pretty amazing and worth a look. Sorry Dean, but feel free to share a few more- we'll give you full credit for here on.

Garage Sale Steiny

Central Cal. charmer and all round legend Steiny is part of the Garage Sale Project. That means if you're anywhere near San Francisco this weekend you can score a fine addition to your art collection (or better yet, start an art collection) at a very reasonable price by going to between 730 & 740 San Jose St, SF CA 94110 on Friday (7-10pm) or Saturday (12-4). There will be photos and the like for sale, and Steiny will be the tall well dressed chap with the good stories. Do say hello to him.

boards & waves

Waves courtesy of Ben who lives in Western Australia and boards courtesy of Ryan Burch who lives in some sort of weird future apparently. There were some waves here today, quite big ones at times too. Usual story, the points were a circus and the beachies mostly closing out. Unfortunately it looked better than it was, there were some corners off of head high waves, but there was a lot of water moving around so being in the right place at the right time was not easy, and the occasional sets of well over head high stuff kept you on your toes. Finally gambled too long and there was the set that was inescapable so some cartwheels were done and I called it a day. After weeks of soft, blown out 2 footers this was almost fun, and in a few days when it backs down a bit it will be fun for sure.